The Euclid Wind Festival, which attracted 4,000-plus people, marked its fifth year on June 17. The event is presented by Shore Cultural Centre and the city.
Chad Felton — The News-Herald

Attracting about 4,000 people throughout the day, the Euclid Wind Festival came and went, well, like the wind, on a day that topped high 80s temperatures with a constant threat of storms.

But since no rain fell, participants enjoyed a variety of wind-themed activities, as well as the lakefront and Pier at Sims Park, located at 22131 Lakeshore Blvd., the festival’s home since 2014 when it was relocated from Shore Cultural Centre.

Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail was impressed with the visibly larger turnout, up from a year ago.

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“I think we’ve had in the past 3,500 (attendees), so this just keeps getting bigger,” she said. “We have inflatables for the kids, arts and crafts for the kids, sand castle building, and we really want to celebrate the wind, so we purposefully try to do things that are wind related. It’s really a way to celebrate what makes Euclid unique, which is the lake, the lakefront, the sustainable energy with the wind turbines, and really a way for the community to come together.

“And I think it attracts people from all over. We did Lolly the Trolley tours to the turbines and I asked how many people were from Euclid, and only about third of them were, so we had people visiting family from out of state, people from Painesville, Mentor, North Royalton and Solon. People from all over the region came, so it’s a great way for us to showcase Euclid.”

As queues waited in anticipation for zip line rides and chances to burst bubbles created by Dr. R. U. Awesome, many other revelers found themselves peering upwards at stilt walkers roaming the grounds.

Euclid resident and Pick Up Stix performer Julia Pankhurst, atop a pair of stilts, said the festival expansion to include additional family-friendly activities made the day a continued success.

“This is our first year, and we just wanted to come and be part of the community. This turnout is great. It’s never been too many people at once. It’s been steady throughout the day. Our company is happy to be a part of it.”

Since the wind is unpredictable by nature, the tethered hot air balloon rides were vastly limited, a fact that no one seemed to miss.

“The rides go up and down, but you need just the right amount of wind to run them, not too much and not too little,” said Shore Cultural Centre Trustee Barb Clint of the lack of rides provided. “And up and down is antithetical to the wind.

“But we’re always delighted how many folks travel to attend, especially those who haven’t been here before. There have been steady lines of people all over the park. In addition to having fun, they get to embrace the original idea of the festival, which is celebrating Euclid.”

Chris Cipriani, director of programming and marketing at Shore Cultural Centre, said Euclid Public Library and Euclid Schools, along with the festival’s sponsors, help make the event a great experience.

“It also celebrates a wonderful asset — the lake. Our city is so accessible, with so much to offer. This festival is just a small example of that. And it’s also a great way to kick off our free summer concert series.”

Perhaps no attendee was more impressed, or more proud, than Ohio Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko, who represents the 25th District which comprises eastern Cuyahoga County and part of Lake County.

“Once again, this festival showcases what Euclid is, a community constantly moving upward, and it’s not content to stop,” he said. “I grew up in Euclid, born and raised — this has always home to me.

“I served as a state representative for 8 years. The people may change, but the city’s attitude doesn’t and that’s vital, a true reflection of its improvements.”

Executive Director of Shore, Laura Kidder, echoed Yuko’s sentiments, adding that the people the festival brings make all the difference.

“We’re really fortunate to host this event in such a great place and attract so many great people and families,” she said. “It makes all the difference in the world. We’re always on a mission here in Euclid and it continues to reach others.”